Gourmet by the Bay

Sept. 14, 2014

Come Labor Day, Harbor Springs could call it good.

Instead, the quaint resort town steps it up with its annual Taste of Harbor Springs, an extensive lineup of culinary tastings on its waterfront.

Immersed in the crisp fall air and falling leaves, the Taste also offers plenty of friendly mingling with fellow foodies, who are often wrapped up in their plush fleece coats.

But falling temps and leaves hardly dampen the enthusiasm. Ticket sales have grown from 300 in the early days to a maximum of 750 now; the event regularly sells out.

With the Harbor Springs Community Band playing next to the docks, it also showcases area restaurants’ finest delicacies, while helping support local culinary scholarships.

SMART START

The Taste began 21 years ago after a local restaurateur issued a challenge to his town’s Chamber of Commerce to attract more tourists in the off-season.

Mary Ellen Hughes rose to the occasion, and pitched her idea. Hughes, who also owns and runs local cafe/soda fountain Mary Ellen’s Place, has chaired the Taste event ever since.

"It wasn’t anything new," she said. "I had heard of them happening in Detroit and Chicago. And Leland had started one in 1985 that really took off."

Once she got the okay, Hughes scouted out Leland’s event by planting herself on a nearby hill and taking notes before attending.

She brought all of her newly acquired intel back to Harbor Springs, and an event was born.

FOODIE FUN

Jenny Brower has served as assistant chair to Hughes from the beginning, and is currently in training to take over for whenever Hughes decides to step down.

She says the Harbor Springs event is unique in Northern Michigan.

"The restaurants involved are some of Northern Michigan’s finest, and it’s almost like a competition among them to be the most popular food station that day!" she said.

The ticket price covers unlimited sampling. The only additional cost is if attendees want more than two beverages.

There is also a price break for those buying tickets in advance.

"[T]he weather in September can be blustery, so making sure we have those ticket sales makes it certain that all of our participants won’t have prepared all of that wonderful food in vain," she said.

Very little has changed over the years at the Taste of Harbor Springs, which Brower attests to Hughes’ thorough research and her vision for what would work.

Another addition has been a special commemorative glass to keep.

"It’s both better for the environment and everyone likes having something to remember their day dockside in our charming town," said Brower.

CULINARY HITS

Hughes said attendees can expect plenty of variety as the chefs all conjure up unique gourmet treats.

"I’ve never told anyone what they have to bring, so every year it’s a surprise," she said.

Some past hits have included a lobster bisque by Little Traverse Bay Golf Club and Restaurant; pan-fried perch made to order on site by The Crow’s Nest; traditional Polish dishes from Legs Inn; mini Tom’s Mom’s cookies; and "something new" brought in each year from American Spoon Foods.

Last year, Hughes herself served special sliders from her cafe as a treat for their 20th anniversary.

"Plus Birchwood, Boyne, Stafford’s Pier, Teddy Griffin’s, and The New York Restaurant – they all seem to get better every year," Hughes said. "It almost feels like they put out their very best to say thank you to all the locals for keeping their restaurants busy."

The 2014 Taste of Harbor Springs is on Sept. 20 from 12pm-3pm on the Waterfront on Bay St., next to the city’s Municipal Marina. Tickets are $25 advance/$35 at the entrance. For ticket locations and more, call (231) 526-7999.